Why do I constantly feel watched?

Question

I often feel like I'm being watched. It happens a lot of times at night, if I'm the only one awake. I'll get this feeling that there's something right behind me, and when I walk during those times, I can't stop speeding up until I'm sprinting. Can someone tell me what's going on? Obviously its something with my mind, so what is it, and is there a cure?

Answer 1

haha i do this too.
and i've got in pretty much marked down the fact that i'm afraid of the unknown.

i'm not afraid of the dark or of night.
i LOVE being outside at night.

but im afraid of whats in the shadows.
i'm afraid of a wrist snaking out from under my bed and grabbing my ankles when i climb into bed late at night.
i'm afraid of what could be there, but its just because i'm paranoid.

i've learned to relax and just go to sleep when this happens.
and when it happens during the day, i find someone i know and trust and hang around with them; i wont let them leave me alone.

its perfectly normal to be paranoid liek this.
most ppl just say they're afraid of the dark.

even though it sounds foolish; its mostly true.
dont worry, you'll be fine.
and jsut remind urself that freaking out wont help any, so dont let your imagination run wild.

take a few slow, deep breaths, and think about all the things you KNOW will keep you safe.

even if ur being watched, you have locks on your doors, right?
you have shades on your windows.

and also, a pet can help comfort you a lot.
when i'm home alone at night (i'm fourteen)
i judge whether or not i ahve a right to be freaking out by how my cats are behaving

if they're sprawled across the floor, relaxed, or sleeping cozily in the corner of the room, i know there no one here but me.

it really helps me.
so if things keep getting worse, try getting a kitten :]

hah that as random
but yeah

just calm urself down.
you'll be fine

goodluck:]

Answer 2

I cannot diagnose you, nor can anyone else, simply from a few remarks online.
Some possibilities: Anxiety disorder, paranoia, post traumatic stress disorder...
Mental distresses can be treated effectively. You can be comfortable in your own skin and alone at night again. Therapy and perhaps medications can help.
If this is effecting your ability to function then it would be good to get some help. Call your local crisis line (usually in the social services section at the very front of your nearest big city phone book) and find out what resources are available to you.

Answer 3

It's happened to me a lot and i have no idea why. Maybe it's because When you are awake at night there are places for people to hide and there is noone there to protect you, even though you might feel safer when someone else is up who definateley couldnt protect you. Also, when you are awake late at night it is easier to think and your mind travels and starts thinking weird things. Or it could be something in your past, like i sometimes feel weird because of thiings that have happened to me in the past.

Answer 4

The complete term is Paranoid Schizophrenia, but you need a complete evaluation to rule out any other cause. Behaviour or delusions can have several causes.

Answer 5

Your NOT paranoid if they are really watching you.